Ask the Expert - Bryan on Scouting

Can a den chief work with a Cub Scout den of the opposite gender?

December 30, 2019 13

Can a Scouts BSA boy be a den chief for a girl Cub Scout den? Can a Scouts BSA girl be a den chief for a boy Cub Scout den? We asked the expert.

What’s the intent behind advancement requirements?

July 23, 2019 29

What’s the point behind this First Class navigation requirement?

Who can wear the Journey to Excellence patch on their uniform?

June 19, 2019 34

In some units, confusion persists about who wears the JTE patch when a unit gets recognized. Let’s ask the expert for some clarification.

Does helping fellow Scouts count for service requirements?

May 30, 2019 18

When Scouts help each other out, the question sometimes comes up: Can helping another Scouting unit count for service hours for advancement?

Is your district on this fascinating list of the BSA’s most popular district names?

May 8, 2019 31

A look at the nationwide list of BSA districts reveals a fascinating find: a number of districts share their names with districts in other councils.

What do you do if a leader is too quick to sign off requirements?

March 5, 2019 36

Scoutmaster John sees three Tenderfoot Scouts get a quick sign-off on a requirement from an assistant Scoutmaster without fulfilling the requirement. What should he do?

Can unit committee meetings be ‘closed’ from parents attending?

February 5, 2019 29

Two parents heard they cannot attend a troop committee meeting because the meeting is “closed.” Is this allowed?

Can packs, troops or crews participate in political rallies?

October 23, 2018 101

The BSA might be the most patriotic organization in the U.S. But we don’t endorse any party. Here’s the policy on participation in political rallies.

Do you need to match your uniform to specific meetings?

October 16, 2018 56

You’re a leader in two different programs. What do you wear?

Should Scoutmasters limit their availability for conferences with Scouts?

September 12, 2018 26

A Scoutmaster conference is so much more than something that needs to be signed off on before a board of review.